Reign Weekly: Playoff Spot for 2016 Calder Cup Secured

With the San Jose Barracuda falling to the San Diego Gulls on Easter Sunday, the Ontario Reign clinched a berth in the 2016 Calder Cup Playoffs and currently occupy the top spot in the Pacific Division with an overall record of 39-16-4-1. The Los Angeles Kings’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate has now reached the postseason the last seven straight seasons and 13 times in the last 14 years (affiliation in Manchester, New Hampshire from 2001-15).

The Week That Was…

The Ontario Reign battled the Bakersfield Condors and Stockton Heat last week for a week record of 2-1-0-0.

On Tuesday, the Reign traveled to Bakersfield, California for a quick matchup with the Condors and skated away with a 5-2 victory. Forward Michael Mersch registered two assists and goaltender Peter Budaj made a season-high 39 saves in the victory.

The Reign returned home to Citizens Business Bank Arena on Friday to open a two-game weekend set against the Heat. In the opening period, the Reign fought off four Heat power plays including a lengthy 5-on-3 advantage and capitalized twice on four power plays en route to a 4-2 victory.

In the rematch on Saturday, the Heat jumped out to a 3-0 lead and held off a late Reign attack for a 4-2 win. Forward Jonny Brodzinski registered an individual season-high 10 shots on goal.